Trump Opposes Bipartisan Journalist Protection Bill Ahead of 2024 Election
President-elect Donald Trump instructed Republicans to block a federal shield bill to protect journalists, despite unanimous House approval. Named the PRESS Act, the bill aims to safeguard reporters' confidential sources. Trump's opposition appears reflexive, opposing free press protections without detailed analysis. This stance may result in the bill's failure in the Senate.
President-elect Trump Announces Diverse Cabinet Picks
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a mix of historic firsts and long-time allies for key roles in his second-term administration. Nominees include Scott Bessent as the first openly gay Republican Treasury Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Karoline Leavitt as the youngest White House Press Secretary. Marco Rubio is tapped for Secretary of State, Elise Stefanik for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Susie Wiles as the first female White House Chief of Staff. All Senate-confirmable positions await approval.
GOP Faces Challenges in Extending 2017 Tax Cuts
Republicans aim to extend the 2017 tax cuts, risking a $5 trillion deficit increase over a decade. Narrow House and Senate margins could hinder their efforts, as internal GOP debates on handling this cost intensify. Some members advocate for 'dynamic scoring,' considering broader economic impacts, while deficit hawks demand offsets for any tax package to prevent further debt escalation.
Special Counsel Dismisses Cases Against Trump
A special counsel has dismissed two significant cases against former President Donald Trump. These developments were discussed by David Sanger, Mike Dubke, and Ashley Allison on 'The Lead.' The exact cases and reasons for dismissal were not provided.
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders and Hamas Military Leader
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The warrants accuse them of using starvation as a method of warfare and attacking civilians. The U.S. and Israel, both non-signatories to the ICC, have criticized the court's decision, with U.S. President Biden pledging support for Israel's security.
Trump's Election Promises Deep Changes in Support of Israel and Against Human Rights
President-elect Donald Trump sets a course that could dismantle the existing international system by supporting Israel's actions in Gaza and adopting hard-line policies on immigration, LGBTQ rights, and climate change. Trump's past alliances with leaders who oppose democratic norms suggest a global shift towards more illiberal politics.
Malaysian Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch LGBTQ Watches
A Malaysian court has directed the return of 172 rainbow-colored Swatch watches, supporting LGBTQ rights, confiscated in May 2023. The Swatch Group had challenged the seizure, which the government justified as protecting morality. Despite the ruling, a government ban on LGBTQ references in Swatch products persists, and the items are unlikely to be sold in Malaysia.
TotalEnergies Pauses Adani Group Investments Amid Bribery Allegations
French oil giant TotalEnergies has suspended future investment in India's Adani Group after U.S. authorities charged its chairman Gautam Adani with a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme. The indictment alleges bribes were paid to secure lucrative contracts in Andhra Pradesh. Shares in Adani enterprises fell sharply following the news, with global repercussions as projects review their ties with the conglomerate.
Trump's Proposed Department Heads Call for End to Federal Remote Work
President-elect Donald Trump's picks to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, propose ending remote work for federal employees to cut costs and workforce. Citing current statistics, most federal workers are already on-site, but a mandate could push those remaining to quit, favoring taxpayer savings.
Hulk Hogan Considered for Physical Fitness Council by Trump
Retired WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan revealed that President-elect Donald Trump suggested he could lead a council on physical fitness. A group of experts has since shared their opinions on the matter.